Updates: Restaurant openings, Rock Creek closes, holiday dining

Bethesda’s Rock Creek restaurant is closing on Dec. 31 and is scheduled to reopen on March 1 under the new ownership of former Bezu chef Dennis Friedman, reports TBD’s Elahe Izadi.

Friedman, who left Bezu last October, plans to turn his newly purchased eatery into Newton’s Table, a restaurant featuring American food with an Asian flair. The chef tells Potomac Patch that he plans to focus on the growing popularity of the farm-to-table movement, offering dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Rock Creek owners Tom Williams and Judith Hammerschmidt opened the nutritionally conscious restaurant in 2005 at 4917 Elm St. in Bethesda. Two years later, the Rock Creek team opened a second location in Mazza Gallerie in Washington, D.C. That location closed in 2009. And now with the Bethesda location closing at the end of the year, what will become of the Rock Creek name? The same name that the new owners of Brickskellerwanted to use for the historic saloon? Friedman tells Izadi that he’d love to talk to them if they’re still interested in using it.

Hold off on the Guinness toasts. The opening for Wheaton’s new Irish watering hole has been pushed back from Dec. 17 to Jan. 21. Although construction on the forthcoming Limerick Pub is nearing its final stages, owners Neil Foley and Tom Stanton have rescheduled their opening date due to delays with the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission. The pub, located at 11301 Elkin St., will feature an entertainment area for live traditional folk music, a fireplace, and a 20-foot-bar offering selections of Irish beers and whiskey.

Smith Commons is scheduled to open next week on Dec. 21. The three-level neighborhood bistro, located at 1245 H St. NE, will offer a globally-inspired menu developed by Chef Frederik De Pue. The Belgian chef previously worked under Chef Alain Ducasse at Louis XV. Du Pue was also the executive chef of the European Commission Delegation Ambassador, and opened 42?Catering. The restaurant’s international theme also extends to the bar, which will showcase craft beers from around the world, and a selection of international and domestic wines.

A cupcake giveaway in honor of Crumbs’ grand opening in Clarendon is coming soon, says TBD’s Rebecca A. Cooper. The store’s regional manager tells Cooper that the opening could take place as early as next week, or right after the holidays. The New York-based bakery recently opened their first location in the District, and as with the opening of all their locations, the company celebrated by giving away 1,000 free cupcakes.

•{ }John Laytham, chief executive officer of Clyde’s Restaurant Group, has named Tom Meyer as the company’s new president. Meyer, who has served as the company’s executive vice president since 2002, will succeed Laytham, who will continue to serve as CEO. The company owns 13 properties in the D.C. metropolitan area, including The Tombs, 1789 Restaurant, and Old Ebbitt Grill.

• Angelico H Pizza and Tapas is opening at 1421 H St. NE. Owners Deniz Eroglu and Mustafa Misirci plan to open an eatery featuring pizzas, appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant will seat about 48 people. (PoP)

• Meanwhile, did Chipotle’s PR/social media team lie to the public? According to So Good blog, the company lied about one of their managers posting a non-professional status about running over a white cat on the Chipotles Facebook page.

•{ }Crystal City and the Washington Wine Academy will be hosting a 1K Wine Walk in the city’s underground tunnels on Feb. 26. Participants will get to taste wine from different vendors, and check out photographs from the finalists and winners from FotoWeek DC. (ARLnow)